“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
When my precious daughter, Shelly, went to Heaven, it was very hard for me to think of a proper tribute. How does a mom condense so many memories and the deep love she feels toward her child into a mere 500 word or less writing? It’s impossible to do. I do feel, however, that a mother’s love is deeper than anything, except God’s love.
When Shelly died, my heart was shattered, but I am so thankful that I know the mender of broken hearts. I cherish each moment we had together during the 49 years of her life.
As a child, and young girl, Shelly was always so bubbly and happy. She LOVED being happy! She LOVED to smile! She LOVED making others happy.
All of her life, Shelly and I were mostly inseparable. However, it was during those 17 1/2 months of her illness that I really learned what my daughter was made of. I couldn’t be more proud.
Shelly loved her family and others deeply!
She forgave!
She looked for the best in everyone!
She walked with integrity!
She smiled through more pain than most realized m!
She was tough!
She was courageous!
She persevered!
She was a strong woman of God!
I already knew that Shelly possessed these traits, but they became more obvious thru her time of suffering.
During the uncertainty of what her future here on earth would be, I saw Shelly’s deep love for God and her unwavering trust in Him.
I witnessed Shelly’s deep love and concern for her family. I cannot count the number of times she apologized to me for having to go through this trial with her. She would say, “Mother, I know how hard this is on you. I’m so sorry.” I told her I was only doing what any mother worth her salt would do! She was deeply selfless! She thought of others first!
Shelly was such a blessing and inspiration to me and she will forever live in my heart until we meet again, where we will be together for eternity! She took a big part of my heart with her to heaven. I miss our time together—pretty much 5 days a week, our conversations about family, watching our favorite TV shows, praying, crying, and laughing together. I miss the phone conversations and the many texts, where we always said, “I love you.” Multiple calls daily, multiple expressions of love. I miss the hugs so very much!! And, yes, every now and then she exhibited frustration with me for trying to be too much of a good mom! I miss that, too!!!
The good news today is that Shelly is now forever whole!
No more cancer!
No more pain!
No more sadness!
No more worries!
Shelly fought the good fight, she finished the race. She is home where she was created to be—forever with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The memory of her beautiful smile always helps me soldier through the sad days of missing her.
This girl of mine made a big difference in so many lives by living out her faith, and by trusting Jesus in the most remarkable way. When push came to shove, she did not retreat. She faced death with dignity and perseverance. I am forever thankful for her grace and beauty.
I am so thankful for each person who fervently prayed for Shelly and her family. These prayer warriors never stopped! That is amazing!! It was a long journey and they stood with us continually. The many acts of kindness will never be forgotten.
If you’re going through a season of grief from the loss of a loved one, please know that you are not alone. No, your life will never be the same, but if you let Him, our Heavenly Father will see you through. He will help you use your pain for the good of others, and for His glory. In the process, you will experience healing, one step at a time. Slowly, you’ll begin to see more light than darkness.
You are loved unconditionally and God’s specialty is mending broken hearts. He will never leave you, so stick with Him!! For me, toward Him is the only direction I’ll ever desire to turn. That’s one lesson I’ve learned well!
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